Cavaliers’ Craig Porter Jr. Eyes Playoff Momentum Against Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr., a Terre Haute native, spoke to the media following the team’s shootaround Sunday morning at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers are set to face the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series on Sunday night.

Porter, a second-year back-up guard, understands the mixed emotions NBA fans might have, as he grew up rooting for the Pacers. However, now he is focused on helping his team secure a win after the Cavaliers faced tough competition in the series. Game 4 is crucial after the Pacers took the first two games in Cleveland but the Cavs responded with a victory in Game 3.

The game will tip off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on TNT. Porter shared his enthusiasm for the match-up, noting that he has many friends and family supporting him from Terre Haute despite some also being Pacers fans.

“I remember watching the Pacers back when they had Paul George and thinking that one day I could be in their position,” Porter reflected. “Now that I’m here, I have to make the most of my opportunities.”

This season, Porter has been working hard to prove his worth, especially in the playoffs after sitting out last year’s postseason due to injury. Though he scored just two points in the previous game against the Pacers, he was noted for his contributions during the regular season.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson has provided Porter with an opportunity this playoff season. The Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 64-18 record, leading to high expectations in the playoffs.

“The team never lost confidence, even after those early losses,” Porter said. “We know we’re a good team, and we just have to stick together.”

In the first round of the playoffs, the Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat, showcasing their capabilities. Porter credited the team’s improvement and dedication to continual practice and the return of star players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, who have played pivotal roles this season.

As the team prepares to head back to Cleveland for Game 5, Porter looks forward to building momentum in this competitive series. “Whenever I’m needed, I’ll be ready to contribute,” Porter said confidently.